The Chains of Error - Gibraltar/Full Speed Ahead Crossover

[Gibraltar]

Thank you all for the terrific feedback, both here and on Ad Astra itself. Mike and I are having enormous fun writing this tale, and your commentary helps fuel the creative process fantastically. We’re glad you’re enjoying the story, and are along for the ride with us.

 

[Gibraltar]

Chapter 4 of The Chains of Error has now been posted to Ad Astra. Commentary is welcome here or there.

 

[TheLoneRedshirt]

Awesome segment! Definitely worth the wait! (not that I enjoy waiting) The reaction of Starfleet to the slaughter of the Amberjack was to be expected - the gloves are definitely off and Kincaide knows it. Sandhurst may provide a voice of restraint, but I don't think it will matter for the Border Service crews - they'll be out for blood.

I have to admit, I'm somewhat dubious of Diaz' willingness to help. We'll see.

Finally, I loved how Captain Ebnal lit into the Maquis "Governor." If only he had expressed how he really felt.

More, please, and quickly!

 

[Admiral2]

Finally, I loved how Captain Ebnal lit into the Maquis "Governor." If only he had expressed how he really felt.

Yeah, nomally I'd side with the Maquis, but I liked that a whole bunch.

 

[mthompson1701]

Well worth the wait! Very well written segment. It sure looks like the Maquis are going to be in for a rude awakening before long.

 

[DarKush]

Just got caught up. I think this is a very hard-hitting story. I've been curious about Ebnal for a long time. His scenes have made me really curious to see a Sandhurst story aboard the Venture.

The slaughter of the Amberjack crew was brutal. Good job. Also, the character work is great. You guys have weaved together your crews and their many storylines seamlessly.

 

[BrotherBenny]

It's great reading this stuff. I love the way all the characters are gelling, or not.

I've been meaning to ask, where did you get your title from?

 

[Gibraltar]

It's great reading this stuff. I love the way all the characters are gelling, or not.

I've been meaning to ask, where did you get your title from?

It's from a quotation by John C. Granville, "Obstinacy in opinions holds the dogmatist in the chains of error, without hope of emancipation."

You can thank Mike Garcia's literary knowledge for that particular gem!

 

[TrekkieMonster]

Awesome segment! Definitely worth the wait! (not that I enjoy waiting)

I can only echo the awesome segment comment, though I have to do a little at the irony of LoneRedshirt making the comment about not enjoying waiting. You two are responsible for some of my worst "withdrawal symptoms" when you get me hooked on one of your WIP stories.

I have to admit, I'm somewhat dubious of Diaz' willingness to help. We'll see.

Agreed, and I have no doubt Sandhurst is keeping his eye on her. But, I love the tension you're building by having her on the bridge and using her "intel".

Finally, I loved how Captain Ebnal lit into the Maquis "Governor." If only he had expressed how he really felt.

Also agreed. He is now officially one of my favorite Trek characters, ever! I could echo the Marine Lieutenant's last line. And we've only just met the man!

It's great reading this stuff. I love the way all the characters are gelling, or not.

I've been meaning to ask, where did you get your title from?

It's from a quotation by John C. Granville, "Obstinacy in opinions holds the dogmatist in the chains of error, without hope of emancipation."

You can thank Mike Garcia's literary knowledge for that particular gem!

And thank you, I was going to ask the same question. I knew it was somehow familiar, but couldn't place it and, uncharacteristically, google was little help.

 

[BrotherBenny]

I tried Google first as well and found nothing.

It is not perfect.

 

[Maxillius]

Love it. Love. It. Captain Ebnal's speech to the "Governor" especially tells just how sick the fleet is of the past inaction against the Maquis.

Can't wait for chapter 5!

 

[Dnoth]

I'm late to the game here, but I wanted you to know I'm up to chapter 3. These new 'civilians' should be interesting. I have a feeling Sandhurst is more over his head than even he thought.

 

[Dnoth]

Ok, I'm caught up. The whole situation of the Maquis is unfortunate. But now that a Starfleet crew has been killed...it doesn't matter how Kincaid feels. The Maquis' goal has now been completely overshadowed by their actions.

 

[Gibraltar]

Chapter 5 has now been posted to Ad Astra. Be advised, this chapter is NC-17 due to some adult conversations and colorful language.

 

[McCovey Cove]

Yes, it has some rather interesting colorful metaphors.

-- ZC

 

[TheLoneRedshirt]

So far, Sandhurst's (and Starfleet's) operation against the Maquis is working flawlessly. They have eliminated their sanctuaries and are whittling down their assets. Kincaide is responding in a logical and, dare I say, honorable manner.

Yet, there are flies in the ointment. How will the forced removal of the Neo-Maquis from their homes affect their children? Will the festering resentment lead to a longer and more violent conflict?

And then there is Galmesh, the wild card. One can only hope that someone can fire a photon torpedo up his impulse vent before he causes more mayhem. Somehow I don't see that scenario.

Great and gritty stuff!

 

[Galen4]

If it's one thing I can't stand, it's cross-overs!
Yeah, very bad joke.
Seriously, this is a well thought out tale. I'm eager to see what the final fate of the Maquis is going to be. After the dust settles from this story, I bet the landscape will be totally different. The entire nature of their organization could shift because of these events.
Will they solicate outside help and become an even more serious threat, this time with vengance on their minds? Who knows, Starfleet's actions might just fan the flames into hatred, creating a new enemy later on...
I also like the representation of the various Maquis philosophies. It runs the spectrum from honorable restraint to blood thirsty sadism, as represented by the various characters.
Oh, and I'm usually not sympathetic to the Maquis cause. But I have to admit that I felt empathy for the colonists while they were being forced out of their homes by military / Starfleet personel. Maybe it just conjurs up unpleasant imagery and feelings.
Anyway, good stuff!

 

[BrotherBenny]

This is great stuff.

I always wondered when Starfleet would tire of the Maquis' activities and the destruction of a Border Service vessel was the final straw. It is an age-old military tactic, leave no stone unturned, leave nowhere to run but the arms of your enemies.

The writers did the same for the Serenity movie and Mal's crew but they were the good guys in that. The Maquis are the bad guys here, even if some of them are still honourable. It remains to be seen whether Kincaid can stop things before it gets worse and if Galmesh will die like a Klingon.

Looking forward to more.

 

[Gibraltar]

I'm hoping Mike and I might have another chapter up in the next week or so. Keep your fingers crossed!

 

[TrekkieMonster]

fingers ..., toes ..., nose hairs .... I'll cross anything if it'll help!